5 Health Benefits Gained From Gardening

Along with the edible benefits of gardening, there are several health benefits to be gained from spending a day digging in the dirt. A plush garden not only provides invaluable beauty and curb appeal of the home, it builds a few invisible beauties as well. Take a look at a few of the most refreshing health benefits gained from maintaining a garden.

Exercise is good for everyone.

Daily gardening maintenance requires someone to get up and move. A garden will assure that a sedentary lifestyle becomes a thing of the past. Working is the garden gives the gardener a chance to raise their heart rate and get the blood flowing to their extremities. Proper exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy blood circulation in the body and has been known to be an excellent coping mechanism for those suffering from depression or addiction.

Relief from built up stress levels.

Working in the garden provides a person the chance to tune into nature. It has been proven to lower cortisol levels in the body, which can cause painful physical symptoms if left to build. Cortisol is what medical professionals refer to as the stress hormone.

Gardening also provides a tangible expression of achievement. We all enjoy watching something we nurture grow into a viable resource. It boosts confidence and self-esteem just as much as it relieves the stressful existence that is life.

Play in the dirt, and feel the warm sun.

Mothers should know that playing in the dirt is quite a healthy activity. Soil contains vital bacteria that will assist in boosting the natural hardiness of one’s immune system. The mycobacterium vaccae help the body to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, asthma, and some allergies. Overall, playing in the dirt is healthy.

The sun has its health benefits, in moderation. Sunshine provides Vitamin D that is absorbed into the skin. Vitamin D is effective at boosting mood and even fighting off symptoms of the common cold. Just be sure not to overexpose sensitive skin to the sun, as UV rays can be very damaging to the body in excess.

Gardening boosts brain health.

Over the past few years, researchers have uncovered an uncanny relation between gardening and brain health. Gardening has been proven to reduce the risk of developing dementia by an average of 40 percent for those at risk. Gardening involves the repetitive use of many critical functions of the body. It strengthens problem-solving skills, dexterity, endurance, and sensory awareness.

Healthier hearts come from fresh food.

Fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden are the best sources of food. Grocery stores typically provide food that is riddled with pesticides and GMOs. All natural nourishment will always be the better choice when it comes to staying healthy.